France voices "full solidarity" with Russia over blast

Russia – Explosion in the St Petersburg metro – Communiqué issued by the Presidency of the Republic

Paris, 3 April 2017

President Hollande expresses his solidarity with the Russian people following the explosion in the Saint Petersburg metro. We do not yet have the final toll, but it left some 10 people dead and many injured.

The exact circumstances of this tragedy will be established in the course of the investigation that has just been opened into this act of terrorism. This tragic event reminds us of the need for vigilance at all times.

France stands ready to respond to any request for assistance by the Russian Federation.

President Hollande, who will speak to President Putin very soon, offers his sincere condolences to the victims’ families and close friends./.

Russia – Explosion in the St Petersburg metro – Statement by M. Jean-Marc Ayrault, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting

Luxembourg, 3 April 2017

I’ve just come away from the ministers’ lunch with the Secretary General of the Arab League. During the discussions, we heard what had happened in St Petersburg: the explosion which caused deaths and injuries. I’d like, first of all, to express my full solidarity with the victims and my condolences to the Russian people in this ordeal. We don’t know the causes, but we stand by all those who are suffering. That’s why I want to express my wholehearted solidarity at this moment, on behalf of France.

Our consulate in St Petersburg is totally ready to help. So is the crisis unit in Paris, to inform those French families who might have questions to ask. We’ll have every means of providing information and support in real time. For the moment we can’t speak of any French victims. We have no information on the subject. But we’re ready to answer all questions and mobilize at any time./.